IDEXX Laboratories Prevails in Antitrust Case
LOS ANGELES, CA (November 2, 2007) — The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California has awarded a summary judgment to McDermott Will & Emery client IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. in an antitrust case filed by Cyntegra, Inc.
Cyntegra claimed that IDEXX had violated the federal antitrust laws and related California state claims through the use of exclusive distribution agreements and illegal tying arrangements that enabled IDEXX to monopolize the market for veterinary diagnostic products and prevent Cyntegra from fair competition. As counsel for IDEXX, and following discovery, McDermott successfully proved that Cyntegra lacked standing to bring the suit and that IDEXX did not hold a monopoly position in the relevant market. The court dismissed all eight claims against IDEXX. Earlier this year, McDermott defeated Cyntegra's motion for preliminary injunction seeking to prevent IDEXX from enforcing its distribution agreements and offering certain bundled products.
The McDermott team representing IDEXX included Los Angeles partner Robert P. Mallory; Washington, D.C. partner Craig P. Seebald; Orange County partner William Diaz; and associates Hillary Webber and Jennifer L. Nelson.
IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a worldwide leader in the development and commercialization of innovative technology-based products and services for veterinary, food and water applications. Headquartered in southern Maine, IDEXX's primary business focuses on pet health. In this market, IDEXX develops, produces and sells an integrated portfolio of products and services to companion animal veterinarians.
McDermott Will & Emery’s Antitrust & Competition Practice Group has experience in all aspects of antitrust and competition law. The group has a sophisticated practice in U.S. antitrust law, EC competition law and the competition laws of other countries throughout the world. More than 60 Firm lawyers focus their practices on antitrust and competition law; approximately 10 of these lawyers concentrate on international competition law. The group includes partners who have held senior positions in the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorney General’s Offices for Antitrust.
